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</script>Genesis 1:1 ESV
In the beginning, God created the heavens and the earth.
God's Good Idea: Work
The God Who Works
The Bible begins by telling us something about God. It's not a description of God's nature or a hymn to God's glory. Rather, the first thing Scripture reveals about God is his activity: God created the heavens and the earth. Where once there was nothing, now there is something. Indeed, now there is everything. Scripture starts with a bang.
To use more general language, the first thing we learn about God is that he worked. He made something. He exercised his creative, visionary, ordering power. Throughout chapters 1 and 2, we see God engrossed in the shaping of creation.
“The earth was a formless void and darkness covered the face of the deep, while a wind from God swept over the face of the waters” (Gen. 1:2).
The nascent creation, though still “formless,” has the material dimensions of space (“the deep”) and matter (“waters”), and God is fully engaged with this materiality (“a wind from God swept over the face of the waters”).
Later, in chapter 2, we see God working the dirt of his creation.
“The Lord God formed man from the dust of the ground” (Gen. 2:7).
Work isn't something added to the biblical story. It comes right at the start. In the beginning, God worked.
Prayer
Thank you, dear Lord, for graciously revealing yourself to us in Scripture. The first thing you show us about yourself is that you are the God who created all things. You are a God who worked, and who is working still. May you work in and through my life today. Help me to see all of my work this day as an imitation of your creativity. Amen.
In God’s Image
Created in God’s image (Gen. 1:27), we were designed with work in mind. From the beginning, God intended and created human beings to be his junior partners in the work of bringing creation to fulfillment. God brought into being a flawless creation and then made humanity to continue the creation project.
“God blessed them, and God said to them, ‘Be fruitful and multiply, and fill the earth’” (Gen. 1:28a).
God could have created everything imaginable and filled the earth himself. But he chose to create humanity to work alongside him to actualize the world’s potential, and to participate in God’s own work.
"The Lord God took the man and put him in the Garden of Eden to till it and keep it" (Gen. 2:15).
These two words in Hebrew, avad (“work” or “till”) and Shamar (“keep”), are also used for the worship of God and keeping his commandments, respectively. Work done according to God’s purpose has an unmistakable holiness.
Through our work, God brings forth food and drink, products and services, knowledge and beauty, organizations and communities, growth and health, and praise and glory to himself. Our work is meant to serve God’s purposes. It is largely in and through our work that we make a contribution to the common good, find meaning in our daily lives, as well as leave a footprint of influence in the world. Each one of us wants to make a difference in the world. We want our lives to really matter. That’s because we were created to matter.
Think about the implications for our work. How would God go about doing our job? What values would God bring to it? What products would God make? Which people would God serve? What organizations would God build? What standards would God use? In what ways should our work display the God we represent? When we finish a job, are the results such that we can say, “Thank you, God, for the privilege of partnering with you to accomplish this?”
Prayer
Dear God, thank you for trusting me to participate in your work. Help me work as one created in your image and bring glory to you. Amen.
Work and Redemption
In Genesis chapter 3, Adam and Eve sin. Their decisions have disastrous consequences that stretch all the way to the modern workplace. As a result of their sin, we read in Genesis 3:
“…cursed is the ground because of you; in pain, you shall eat of it all the days of your life; thorns and thistles it shall bring forth for you…” - Gen. 3:17b-18a
Sin created alienation between people and God, among people, and between people and the earth that was to support them. Work became more complicated and liable to failure and unintended consequences. Work is not inherently a curse, but the curse affects our work.
Notice that although the ground is "cursed," the people are not, for God is not abandoning humanity. In fact, God continues to provide for Adam and Eve, even to the point of sewing clothes for them when they lack the skill themselves (Gen. 3:21).
Despite the curse, the work commissioned in Genesis 1 and 2 continues. There is still ground to be tilled and phenomena of nature to be studied, described, and named. Men and women must still be fruitful, must still multiply, and must still govern.
But now, a second layer of work must also be accomplished—the work of healing and repairing things that go wrong and evils that are committed. In a world of sin and sadness, many jobs echo God’s redemption: Scientists and salespersons help people overcome various difficulties by providing products to make life easier and healthier. Law enforcement officers and parents provide safety in the midst of chaos. Accountants and repairmen fix broken ledgers, appliances, and technology.
These and other roles project hope for the coming restoration (Revelation 21:1). One day, brokenness will be gone; pain will be no more. But until that day, even the most frustrating jobs can be means by which we carry out the “ministry of reconciliation” (2 Corinthians 5:18). We can reflect Jesus’ finished work in our own lives as we display God’s characteristics to the world and work to redeem areas of brokenness.
Prayer
God, you alone are our glorious Redeemer. But you empower us to display your glory and redemption to those around us. Help us in everyday moments to shine forth your image, character, and attributes through our work. Show us where we can display your gospel’s work by reconciling areas of brokenness in our jobs. Amen.
Exploring Your Gifts
How do you make the most of your gifts? What has God put on your heart? What does He want you to do? Written specifically for emerging adults, college students, and young leaders, this reading plan will help you understand your passion and pursue what God has in store for you.
We would like to thank Awana for providing this plan
STUDY
You probably know Moses’ early story. But his passion was first ignited by seeing two powerful incidents.
Read Exodus 2:11-2:22.
These were Moses’ people - people that he deeply cared about. Instantly, a chord was struck and Moses knew that something was wrong. He had to act. His passion was deepened when he saw two Hebrews quarreling with each other. His people needed a leader. Something had to be done. Time to take action, right? Wrong. God had other plans.
Then, right at the point where most of us would take action, Moses takes another career. Far away from the action, he learns to lead sheep. Scholars believe that Moses spent nearly 40 years as a shepherd - almost the span of an entire career today - separated from the people he longed to lead. Why?
Miles away, the people were being prepared for deliverance at the same time that their deliverer was being prepared to lead them. Moses’ ascent to leadership illustrates the reality that experiences often ignite passion, but disciplines sustain it.
THOUGHTS FOR LEADERS
Many emerging leaders live with a very deep tension: On one hand, you don’t want to waste your life, but waiting for a position of leadership is often frustrating.
It’s important to realize that there is a profound difference between passive waiting and active waiting. Passive waiting can take the form of cynicism, complaining, or simply doing nothing. Active waiting, however, is a posture that seeks to cultivate habits that are focused on intentional preparation. While God is orchestrating the events surrounding what you will do, He is also making you who you must become.
QUESTIONS
It’s likely that your passion was born out of an experience or set of experiences. If you’re not currently in a place where you can act on your love, what can you do to cultivate it?
Moses spent forty years as a shepherd before he led God’s people out of bondage. How do you think those years prepared him?
Many potential leaders fade in their passion because they’re simply impatient. It’s interesting that Moses was fully engaged where he was when God finally spoke to him. Is the pursuit of your passion preventing you from the preparation that God wants to begin in you?
STUDY
One of the most commonly noted facts about the Book of Esther is that God’s name isn’t mentioned. Not once. Theologians point out that this is tied to the central message of the book: that although God might appear hidden, He is actually very present behind the scenes. Esther had come to the position of queen only to learn that her husband, King Ahasuerus, had been convinced through a political power grab to wipe out all of her people.
Read Esther 4:14-16.
Mordecai’s words to his adopted cousin in verse 14 are the turning point of the book. Mordecai hinted at the hidden sovereignty of God and took Esther to a place where she was faced with an incredible opportunity to live her passion.
It’s interesting that Mordecai painted this picture for Esther in terms of an incredibly powerful two-letter proposition: “if,” making it clear to Esther that action and courage were required.
Based on what we know about God, if Esther had chosen to remain silent, God would have raised up deliverance from somewhere else. What would have happened to Esther? Nothing. The only casualty would have been Esther’s loss of potential joy in participating with God in His plan for His people.
THOUGHTS FOR LEADERS
There are two types of leaders: those who lead by positional authority and those who lead by influence. It’s important to remember that although she was a queen, Esther’s role was not a position that included any positional authority.
Since she was not able to lead by virtue of her position, Esther chose to lead by virtue of her influence. Esther is a tremendous example of courageously leading up (leading and acting above your position in life) in both what she did and how she acted.
QUESTIONS
Think through some defining moments in your life. Is there anything that seemed like a coincidence at the time that you now look back on and can see God at work?
Mordecai’s rhetorical question (v.14b) was at least in part contingent upon Esther’s courage. Why do you think so many Christians lack the courage to live what they believe?
Even though it required courage, Esther didn’t have to go far to exercise her passion. Where is the nearest possible place you can start living out the dream God has given you?
STUDY
Hosea is one of the most shocking tales in all of Scripture: A prophet marries a whore. Despite his love and faithfulness to her, she cheats on him and returns to her life of prostitution. When she is shamefully offered up on the public auction block, God’s man buys her back.
Read Hosea 1:1-3:5.
The story is strikingly beautiful. Not just because of what it says about God’s people, but because of what it says about God. Despite being asked to do the unthinkable, Hosea never flinches at any point. From the altar to the marriage bed to the public square, to the auction block, Hosea’s love for Gomer was relentless and complete.
But suppose Hosea said no. He certainly had a lot to risk. Thankfully, Hosea expresses trust in God’s leadership instead of disappointment. At every point, Hosea chooses trust over despair.
We don’t know when Hosea assumed the role of prophet, or how long he was prophesying prior to marrying Gomer. But we can safely say that Hosea saw the need for reconciliation between sin-sick Israel and her God. God deepened Hosea’s passion for reconciliation by having him live it.
THOUGHTS FOR LEADERS
Trusting God is actually more difficult than we might like to admit. We’ll heartily agree with God on what needs to get done, but we’ll rarely ask how He wants to use us. Many people trust God only as far as He validates their own plans and dreams.
You might have some ideas about where you’ll serve and how your ministry might look. But if God leads you someplace outside of your plan, it might feel like a bait-and-switch. One of the greatest postures you can develop as an emerging leader is to trust in the midst of seemingly confusing circumstances. Cultivate the discipline of trust and an understanding of your passion will follow.
QUESTIONS
Mother Teresa once said, “I have never had clarity; what I have always had is trust.” Which do you find yourself expressing more consistently to God - your need for clarity (“What do I do?”) or your expression of trust (“I’ll follow you”)?
Consider everything that Hosea stood to lose: his position, his sense of personal dignity, and the credibility of his ministry. What do you think allowed him to give those up? What would be the most unimaginable thing that God could ask of you?
STUDY
Timothy is introduced for the first time in Acts 16:1 as someone who was “well spoken of by the brethren.” Not much is said of the first exchange between Timothy and his future mentor Paul, but over the course of the next several years, Timothy experienced ministry, travel, and even imprisonment at the side of the man who would become his spiritual father.
Timothy dealt with issues that many emerging leaders face. Read through the following verses, asking yourself if any of the characteristics of young Timothy are true for you:
loneliness (1 Timothy 1:18-19)
trying to relate to older leaders (1 Timothy 5:1-2)
feeling content (1 Timothy 6:6-8)
lack of confidence (2 Timothy 1:5-7)
seeking freedom from old habits (2 Timothy 2:22)
staying doctrinally pure (2 Timothy 4:1-4)
Christian tradition holds that after Paul died, Timothy settled in Ephesus leading the church and guiding their doctrine and character. Paul’s words to Timothy were a gift to him at a crucial point in his ministry. Through his spiritual friendship with Paul, Timothy was able to overcome doubts and tendencies that are typical among emerging leaders. His passion for serving the church well was developed in the context of mentorship.
THOUGHTS FOR LEADERS
Many would-be leaders never get the opportunity to enjoy their passion - not because of a lack of competence, but because of a lack of character. God uses mentorship to refine raw tendencies, allowing emerging leaders to better understand their passion.
Look for ways to test your passion in different contexts. Engage in different types of ministry. Talk (and listen) to people. Develop the discipline of discernment. Rather than striking out on your own, spend time forging intentional spiritual friendships with seasoned believers who can help you grow.
QUESTIONS
It’s difficult to imagine Timothy without Paul. With so much at stake, why do you think many emerging leaders are hesitant to engage in an idea like mentoring?
Who do you think enjoyed their mentoring relationship more - Paul or Timothy?
Is there anyone in your sphere of influence (church, home, community, etc.) whose friendship would spiritually benefit you? How can you initiate that relationship?
Focus
The Undetected Sacredness of Circumstances"
The circumstances of a saint’s life are ordained by God. In the life of a saint, there is no such thing as chance. God by His providence brings you into circumstances that you can’t understand at all, but the Spirit of God understands. God brings you to places, among people, and into certain conditions to accomplish a definite purpose through the intercession of the Spirit in you.
Never put yourself in front of your circumstances and say, “I’m going to be my own providence here; I will watch this closely, or protect myself from that.” All your circumstances are in the hands of God, and therefore you don’t ever have to think they are unnatural or unique. Your part in intercessory prayer is not to agonize over how to intercede, but to use the everyday circumstances and people God puts around you by His providence to bring them before His throne, and to allow the Spirit in you the opportunity to intercede for them. In this way, God is going to touch the whole world with His saints.
Am I making the Holy Spirit’s work difficult by being vague and unsure, or by trying to do His work for Him? I must do the human side of intercession— utilizing the circumstances in which I find myself and the people who surround me. I must keep my conscious life as a sacred place for the Holy Spirit. Then as I lift different ones to God through prayer, the Holy Spirit intercedes for them.
Where the Battle is Won or Lost"
Our battles are first won or lost in the secret places of our will in God’s presence, never in full view of the world. The Spirit of God seizes me and I am compelled to get alone with God and fight the battle before Him. Until I do this, I will lose every time. The battle may take one minute or one year, but that will depend on me, not God. However long it takes, I must wrestle with it alone before God, and I must resolve to go through the hell of renunciation or rejection before Him. Nothing has any power over someone who has fought the battle before God and won there.
I should never say, “I will wait until I get into difficult circumstances and then I’ll put God to the test.” Trying to do that will not work. I must first get the issue settled between God and myself in the secret places of my soul, where no one else can interfere. Then I can go ahead, knowing with certainty that the battle is won. Lose it there, and calamity, disaster, and defeat before the world are as sure as the laws of God. The reason the battle is lost is that I fight it first in the external world. Get alone with God, do battle before Him, and settle the matter once and for all.
In dealing with other people, our stance should always be to drive them toward making a decision of their will. That is how surrendering to God begins. Not often, but every once in a while, God brings us to a major turning point— a great crossroads in our life. From that point, we either go toward a more and more slow, lazy, and useless Christian life, or we become more and more on fire, giving our utmost for His highest— our best for His glory.
Obedience or Independence?"
Our Lord never insists on obedience. He stresses very definitely what we ought to do, but He never forces us to do it. We have to obey Him out of a oneness of spirit with Him. That is why whenever our Lord talked about discipleship, He prefaced it with an “If,” meaning, “You do not need to do this unless you desire to do so.” “If anyone desires to come after Me, let him deny himself…” (Luke 9:23).
In other words, “To be My disciple, let him give up his right to himself to Me.” Our Lord is not talking about our eternal position, but about our being of value to Him in this life here and now. That is why He sounds so stern (see Luke 14:26). Never try to make sense of these words by separating them from the One who spoke them.
The Lord does not give me rules, but He makes His standards very clear. If my relationship with Him is that of love, I will do what He says without hesitation. If I hesitate, it is because I love someone I have placed in competition with Him, namely, myself. Jesus Christ will not force me to obey Him, but I must. And as soon as I obey Him, I fulfill my spiritual destiny.
My personal life may be crowded with small, petty happenings, altogether insignificant. But if I obey Jesus Christ in the seemingly random circumstances of life, they become pinholes through which I see the face of God. Then, when I stand face to face with God, I will discover that through my obedience thousands were blessed. When God’s redemption brings a human soul to the point of obedience, it always produces. If I obey Jesus Christ, the redemption of God will flow through me to the lives of others, because behind the deed of obedience is the reality of Almighty God.
"Yesterday" Security from Yesterday. “
God requires an account of what is past” (Ecclesiastes 3:15). At the end of the year we turn with eagerness to all that God has for the future, and yet anxiety is apt to arise when we remember our yesterdays. Our present enjoyment of God’s grace tends to be lessened by the memory of yesterday’s sins and blunders. But God is the God of our yesterdays, and He allows the memory of them to turn the past into a ministry of spiritual growth for our future. God reminds us of the past to protect us from a very shallow security in the present.
Security for Tomorrow. “…the Lord will go before you….” This is a gracious revelation— that God will send His forces out where we have failed to do so. He will keep watch so that we will not be tripped up again by the same failures, as would undoubtedly happen if He were not our “rear guard.” And God’s hand reaches back to the past, settling all the claims against our conscience.
Security for Today. “You shall not go out with haste….” As we go forth into the coming year, let it not be in the haste of impetuous, forgetful delight, nor with the quickness of impulsive thoughtlessness. But let us go out with the patient power of knowing that the God of Israel will go before us.
Our yesterdays hold broken and irreversible things for us. It is true that we have lost opportunities that will never return, but God can transform this destructive anxiety into a constructive thoughtfulness for the future. Let the past rest, but let it rest in the sweet embrace of Christ.
Leave the broken, irreversible past in His hands, and step out into the invincible future with Him.
Fellowship in the Gospel"
After sanctification, it is difficult to state what your purpose in life is, because God has moved you into His purpose through the Holy Spirit. He is using you now for His purposes throughout the world as He used His Son for the purpose of our salvation. If you seek great things for yourself, thinking, “God has called me for this and for that,” you barricade God from using you.
As long as you maintain your own personal interests and ambitions, you cannot be completely aligned or identified with God’s interests. This can only be accomplished by giving up all of your personal plans once and for all, and by allowing God to take you directly into His purpose for the world. Your understanding of your ways must also be surrendered because they are now the ways of the Lord.
I must learn that the purpose of my life belongs to God, not me. God is using me from His great personal perspective, and all He asks of me is that I trust Him. I should never say, “Lord, this causes me such heartache.” To talk that way makes me a stumbling block. When I stop telling God what I want, He can freely work His will in me without any hindrance.
He can crush me, exalt me, or do anything else He chooses. He simply asks me to have absolute faith in Him and His goodness. Self-pity is of the devil, and if I wallow in it I cannot be used by God for His purpose in the world. Doing this creates for me my own cozy “world within the world,” and God will not be allowed to move me from it because of my fear of being “frost-bitten.”
Hosea 4:11 ESV
whoredom, wine, and new wine, which take away the understanding.